Every holiday season, Bayfront Festival Park on the Duluth waterfront turns into Bentleyville Tour of Lights, the largest free walk-through holiday light display in the country. 2026 marks its 23rd season, and Bayview Cottage on Park Point is just a short drive across the Aerial Lift Bridge from the lights. Here is everything we tell our guests before they go.
Bentleyville 2026 dates and hours
- Opening night: Saturday, November 21, 2026. Santa traditionally arrives by helicopter just before the lights switch on at 5 p.m.
- Typical hours: 5–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, open every night including holidays.
- Santa visits: nightly from November 21 to December 23, 2026, 5–9 p.m.
- Closing date: the season runs into late December. Confirm the final night and any special events on the official Bentleyville website.
What it costs
Admission is free, and so are the hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and marshmallows you can roast at the bonfires. On-site parking is $12 per vehicle, or $10 if you pay cash. Bentleyville also collects non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys for local families, so bring something to drop off if you can.
Tips for a great visit
- Go on a weeknight. Fridays and Saturdays in December are the busiest. Sunday through Thursday evenings are calmer, especially later in the evening.
- Plan 30–45 minutes for the roughly three-quarter-mile loop, longer with kids who want every treat and photo stop.
- Dress for real Duluth cold: warm boots, hats, mittens and layers. It is an outdoor event, and the wind off Lake Superior is no joke.
- Bring a sled for little ones if there is snow on the ground.
- Skip the parking line by parking at the DECC, the Great Lakes Aquarium or a downtown ramp and walking over.
Make a weekend of it
Bentleyville pairs perfectly with the Christmas City of the North Parade downtown (scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026), the Duluth Winter Village holiday market at the DECC (December 5–6, 2026) and the North Shore Scenic Railroad holiday trains from the historic Depot. See our winter in Duluth guide for more ideas.
Why Park Point is the best base for Bentleyville
Hotels near Canal Park fill up fast on Bentleyville weekends. Bayview Cottage gives your group a whole house a few minutes from the lights: two gas fireplaces to thaw out by, a full kitchen for hot chocolate, board games for after the lights, and space for up to seven guests. Snowy mornings on Superior Bay are a bonus.
Stay at Bayview Cottage on Park Point
Holiday weekends book up early. Check availability and book direct for the best rate, or read guest reviews and see every amenity.